Will write, exec produce, possibly helm drama

The hourlong project, dubbed "Palladium," centers on an upscale nightclub in New York and the tense relationship between the owner and his son.

Reyes is serving as writer and executive producer and would direct if the project gets a pilot pickup.

Other projects in development at HBO include an adaptation of the British comedy series "Sensitive Skin," starring Kim Cattrall, who also is executive producing, and an adaptation of the British prison drama "Bad Girls," with Alan Ball as an executive producer.

Reyes wrote and directed the 2002 John Leguizamo feature film "Empire" and recently reteamed with the actor for the upcoming film "The Ministers," which he also wrote and directed. "Ministers," premiering next month in New York, also stars Harvey Keitel.

Reyes, who also wrote and directed the film "Illegal Tender," is repped by ICM and attorney Steven Beer. (partialdiff)